‘Kate & Allie’ Star Susan Saint James Dies at 80 After Pancreatic Cancer Battle—Hollywood Mourns TV Icon

Susan St. James death: Emmy-winning actress Susan Saint James, beloved for her roles in “McMillan & Wife,” “Kate & Allie” and “The Name of the Game,” has died in Los Angeles at age 80 after a battle with pancreatic cancer, her family confirmed Monday. Born Susan Jane Miller on August 14, 1946, in Los Angeles, Saint James rocketed to fame in the late 1960s as resourceful researcher Peggy Maxwell on the NBC drama “The Name of the Game.” Just three years later she cemented her star power as the spirited Sally McMillan opposite Rock Hudson, earning three consecutive Emmy nominations for “McMillan & Wife.” In 1969 she captured her first Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Series. Career renaissance in the 1980s • Saint James returned to prime time in 1984 with CBS hit “Kate & Allie,” playing free-spirited divorcée Kate McArdle opposite Jane Curtin’s Allie Lowell. The sitcom ran six seasons and snagged two Emmy nods for the actress, making “Susan St. James” a household search term for a new generation. • On the big screen she sparred with Dracula in the cult comedy “Love at First Bite” (1979) and teamed with Jessica Lange and Jane Curtin for the feminist caper “How to Beat the High Cost of Living” (1980). Personal resilience and advocacy Saint James married television executive Dick Ebersol in 1981; the couple became vocal Special Olympics advocates after meeting founder Eunice Kennedy Shriver. Their public strength following the 2004 plane crash that claimed their son Teddy inspired broadcaster Bob Costas, who praised her “unshakeable grace under the worst circumstances” earlier this week. Hollywood tributes pour in • NBC Sports announced plans for an on-air tribute during this Sunday’s NFL pre-game show, underscoring Saint James’ decades-long connection to the network through Ebersol. • Former co-star Jane Curtin called her “the funniest scene partner and the fiercest friend.” • Actress and niece Christa Miller (“Shrinking”) shared on X, “Aunt Susan taught me that kindness is a super-power in show business.” Legacy of a trailblazer Spanning three decades, Saint James’ career re-defined the TV leading lady—mixing screwball comedy with detective grit and single-mom realism. Her eight Emmy nominations, humanitarian awards from the Special Olympics and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame testify to her enduring impact. Funeral and memorial details will be announced by the family, who ask that in lieu of flowers fans donate to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network in Susan St. James’ name—a final cause for an actress who dedicated her spotlight to lifting others. Search interest in “Susan St James obituary,” “Susan Saint James pancreatic cancer” and “McMillan & Wife star dies” is expected to climb as fans revisit her classic performances now streaming on Peacock and Paramount+.